Only when it’s dark
Carpenter Brut, HEALTH, Chat Pile, Sierra Veins
The End Complete – What Comes Next Starts Here. Fest.26 – Arena Open Air Wien, Austria 20260811
There are certain things, that only work in the dark. Especially when light is involved, like open air cinema. Or laser shows at live concerts. So shortly after the Bierwoche, the Arena invites to a very special experience under the summer’s nighty sky.
With four bands on the schedule, Sierra Veins starts very early already. With her mixture of Synthwave with Industrial and Metal, she sets vibes in the right direction for the following. For the fans, she takes time to sign vinyls, and later she will post a video straight from the mosh pit.
Chat Pile are a highlight for many as well. The Noise Rock / Post Hardcore outfit has records out on Reptilian like desolat. Their Sludge impact maintains their strong live appearance. Jumping around the stage, the thunders shatter the historic walls of the venue. After, sounds from NiN shorten the second change over.
Then the „Neon Genesis Evangelion“ intro song „A Cruel Angel’s Thesis“ sets the alarm for HEALTH. Four light tours help their live show with changing beats, getting rid of sorrows, if ‚you’ve had a hard time‘. In the half-light, the atmosphere takes the mind back to Ankea in Finland, while the singer takes a final stage-dive.
While HEALTH will continue touring with Perturbator, tonights headliner is the other French Darksynth counterpart: Carpenter Brut started at Arena Dreiraum around ten years ago. After the big hall and Gasometer and festivals like Brutal Assault, the open air stage is the logical next step.
The heavy electronic bass and beats perfectly fit the old industrial site, while the 80s tracks have a nostalgic flavor (R.I.P. Olly). The visuals, the light and the big Carpenter Brut logo catch the eye. As the show is not sold out, there is enough space for everyone and even a wall of death.
Of course, the „Maniac“ cover must not be missing at the end. Carpenter Brut have a diverse but very specific fanbase, from electronic music enthusiasts over young dancers to Goths and Metalheads. And all of them are happily united under the spell of morbid dark sounds.